A message from Kimberly Kaufman

Written by Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and President of the Board, Ottawa County Visitors’ Bureau…

April 24, 2012

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On behalf of Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) and our co-hosts at Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, Destination Toledo, and Lake Erie Shores & Islands, I’d like to welcome you to The Biggest Week in American Birding, and to fabulous northwest Ohio, also known as “The Warbler Capital of the World.” If you’re here, and you’ve picked up this visitors’ guide, then you’ve probably already ascertained that birds are a pretty big deal around these parts. So much so, in fact, that this area has been named one of the top 10 best birding sites in the Western Hemisphere by many world-class birdwatchers. ---Yes, the birding really is that good!

The value of your visit…Your presence here is encouraging in many ways. First and foremost, we are thrilled to share the magical experience of spring bird migration in northwest Ohio with you. But perhaps most importantly, the bird-related tourism in this area serves as a powerful bird conservation tool. The dollars spent in this area by birders help organizations like BSBO send a clear message to our local, state, and federal leaders about the value of conserving bird habitat.

The tremendous effort we put forth organizing The Biggest Week In American Birding is worth it because the event raises awareness and appreciation for birds and habitat conservation in a major way. The bottom line is this: we want to help people fall in love with birds, and this is the perfect place to make that happen! We believe that connecting people to the joys of birding is the first step in building support for conservation because people care more about the things they love.

And when spring migration has winged its way through the area, and the Magee Marsh Boardwalk is once again draped in quiet shadows, the folks at BSBO will gather up the economic impact you helped generate during your visit and we will trumpet that to all those who will listen. The heart of conservation keeps beating!

More than just great birding…

If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll soon discover that, while the birding is indeed world-class, it is the wonderful people who live and work here that make it a truly superb place. I encourage you to extend your visit—or come back again when the birding isn’t so good that you can’t tear yourself away—and visit some of the other wonderful places this area has to offer. With museums, historic lighthouses, the world-famous Toledo Mud Hens, waterparks, great fishing, and of course, the charm and charisma of the Lake Erie Islands, northwest Ohio is one of the country’s most alluring travel destinations at any time of year. We hope you’ll come back again, soon!